WORCESTER City's, Danny McDonnell, has established a reputation as one of the best keepers in non-league football.

He enjoyed a successful first season at St George's Lane after what can only be described as a nightmare debut against Tamworth in which he was sent off, knocked out, needed 14 stitches and ended up with a suspension.

"It was a bit of a sticky start, getting sent off and injured but after that I settled down quite well and was reasonably happy with my first season," he said.

"It is always difficult going to a new club and winning over new team-mates and the fans."

McDonnell signed for City after five years with Halesowen Town.

The set up at Worcester has more than lived up to his hopes.

"When I signed I had other options but John Barton was a major factor in me joining and my expectations have not been disappointed," he said.

"I know we slipped a bit at the end of the season but winning the Dr Martens League Cup was great and as a first season I don' think I can complain."

After tasting success with City's cup triumph, the 28-year-old is looking forward to mounting a promotion bid to the Nationwide Conference next year.

"I don't want to raise everybody's hopes but I don't see why we can't be challenging," he said.

"The manager has made three excellent signings on top of the players we already have.

"I know everybody will understandably get their hopes up, especially the fans, because they feel we should be in the Conference and as a club and city, with the fan base we have, we should be in the Conference."

During the summer, McDonnell, is playing cricket for his local club, Pedmore, but also keeping in training in prepartion for next season.

"It would be nice to have a complete break but I have to try and keep myself in a little bit of shape," he said.

"I'm not quite as physically fit as the outfield players and just to keep up I have to do a bit of extra fitness work."

City fans can catch a glimpse of McDonnell and the club's other team members during an open top bus tour on Tuesday.

The bus will be leaving the club at 5.15pm for a Civic reception at the Guidhall at 5.45pm hosted by Worcester's Mayor, David Clark.